I'm 19 years old and a sophomore in college. I think I have depression. I've been consistently unhappy for about a year now. I have constant feelings of doubt and dread, sadness. It's completely uncharacteristic for me. I'm just miserable and I'm not sure why. I cry for no reason and can't sleep. I have nightmares that keep me up all night. I sleep all day because I don't want to wake up. I just don't feel like me. I don't ever want to do anything, including things i used to live for like music and church events. I've tried to talk to my mother and boyfriend about these feelings and they seemed to think that if i put my mind to it I can just get over it. But I just can't escape these overwhelming feelings. I'll feel unwanted when I know in the back of my mind that it's just me. I've gained weight. I was one of the top students in my class and received two large scholarships. Now i'm failing classes and on the verge of losing them both. I just feel like my life and feelings are out of control. I would appreciate any resources, help, or advice anyone can give me. Thanks.

This is kind of funny. I went googling "I'm depressed for no reason" and a bunch of results were returned, including yours. I'm also down for no reason and really just came out here to feel "not alone," I guess. But then I realized something another friend told me. A reason why people feel "down" is because they don't feel valued. So you have to CREATE that value. So, for example, instead of feeling sorry for yourself, perhaps reach out to help a student who is struggling with their studies (since you're very bright, this should be easy for you to do - don't undermine the fact that you got those scholarships - dummies don't get these!!), or volunteer at an animal shelter - better yet, adopt a pet and care for it for the rest of its life, visit a nursing home with some friends and sing Christmas carols to the older folks, think of some crap your family or friends are going through and take the initiative to take something off their plate, etc., like run an errand for them, or bake them a cake. Seriously, no one today does anything for anyone anymore, and when someone does, it's a BIG deal! YOU will be their hero. It'll make them feel good, and it'll make you feel good. A win-win situation. By taking the focus off of you and onto others, you'll see a difference (since its external to you) and those are the kinds of things that will set the wheels in motion. I notice I'm in a better mood after taking care of my cats or doing a favor for someone who shows their appreciation.

Also, keep in mind that the seasons are changing, and sometimes that gets people down. Perhaps you're anxious about the holidays (I know I am - I have had family relations badly damaged over the past few years and it saddens me), or it could be even chemical - Seasonal Affective Disorder (coincidentally, "SAD"). Know that whatever it is, you do have some if not all control how you react to the changes around you. You just have to make the choice to do this.

And look...now, hopefully, I've helped you, and if I did, then that makes ME feel good.

Thanks. All good suggestions. But I do those things regularly and love volunteer work. I'm constantly doing those things. And they do make me feel good. But lately I just feel no interest in them. They don't bring me the joy they used to. I feel very valued and loved. I'm just unhappy. I can't really explain it. There's not a reason for it and the things that used to pick me up just don't anymore. I feel like I'd rather be in bed. I do like your approach and have been trying it, but it just hasn't seemed to fix how I feel. But I am not lazy nor am I a quitter who enjoys feeling sorry for myself so I've been trying to look at this in a positive way as something that I can overcome. I think it's just a matter of finding the help I need and figuring out what works for me. I also found the SAD information when I was looking online and though it was helpful I don't feel that that is my problem. I have felt this way consistently for about a year now. I'm hoping to see my college counselor for some guidance. I appreciate all of your help and suggestions.

I am sorry that you aren't feeling well. I understand how it goes. Nothingness, I think. No emotions except sad. That is hard to cope with.

I think that the counseling will help you, maybe some medications. If you have tried everything else and nothing helps, this is the next step. Also taking vitamin D3 helps with moods, especially if you aren't getting sun. So you might want to give that a try. I take it and it helps a lot. But I also take medications to help me with depression. The abilify is best for mood stabilizer. It really helps me a lot.

It sounds like your depression could be a chemical imbalance. There fore medications would help. If you aren't going through anything that would depress you at the moment.

And these are completely free. So check them out and see if they help. I also recommend self help books. There is one that is quite popular called Feeling Good, the New Mood Therapy. By Dr. David D. Buirns. It helped me a lot before I had to start taking meds.

I like your name because in itself represents your need for autonomy, following your own dreams and goals.

I didn't take what you wrote as feeling sorry for yourself at all - people come here for help and answers. One thing I know from my own severe depression is just what you explained and what depression is -- just can't figure out what's wrong (it can be severe or not severe, not meaning to say your have severe depression) -- but it does sound like your depressed. So knowing that is a little tiny bit helpful to me because I undertand that depression has no rhyme or reason, it just is there.

I have gained a lot (A LOT) of weight over the past 5 months and become really unhappy and depressed. I know from past experience (even though I'm not doing it because I'm also suicidal on and off and was in the hospital at one time because I had already planned it and was ready to go), is that physical exercise (whatever type, walking, stretching, working out - any little exercise is what always helped me. I feel beyond all that at this point where before I would "Just do it" (Like Nike says) -- no matter what, just get up and go do something physical which would, after a week or two kick me completely out of the depression. (It's the endorphins).

Id like to say hello and am very sorry your going through such a hard time. i was reading another reply post to you that stated "STOP FEELING SORRY FOR YOURSELF" well im sorry but that got me angry as your not feeling sorry for you, you are depressed and im sick of other people saying such negative thing's to other's. Sorry but i had to speak up for you as you dont deserve that kind of reply... As Karen and other's have said your not alone and we are here for you,but with no negative word's as it's the last thing you need rigt now. Am I correct???? My thought's are with you my darling..

Thank you all so much. Your encouraging words are more helpful than you know. I am very hopeful that I can get this under control. I've made an appointment with a counselor at my college and i'm expecting good things to come. I would welcome the medication if they are needed because i really haven't been able to find a reason for these feelings or a source of unhappiness to work through with counselors. However, I don't have insurance and working part time while in college I just don't make a lot. I'm worried about how I'll pay for treatment. Does anyone know of any solutions to this such as discount or free mental health care providers or ways to get discounted medication?

I would like to say that i am truly sorry about the angry words in my post to you!!!!! I wasnt's having a go at you it ws another person saying you just feel sorry for ur self and that's not true as when we are depressed we cant control our emotions at most times. I was just trying to help you and stick up for you as I dont like bullies when it comes to people that know nothing about being depressed. I truly hope your getting the help that you deserve?? Have you started on any medication's as yet?? If so are they helping you?? I really hope ur doing better.. Ur in my thought's as i know how you feel ok.Look after YOU ONLY<

It never hurts to explain to the doctor that you're concerned about drug costs. The doc isn't going to think less of you. Drugs are expensive -- and you're an unisured student for Heaven's sake. Let them know you're willing to try medication but have limited funds. This can influence which drugs they decide to prescribe. They may go with something less expensive (generic, so therefore has been around a while and is tried and true) or help you out with the meds.

If it's a newer drug that they're prescribing, often times docs will have samples around the office and will just offer them to you. Thanks, doc!

But if it's not, ask if there's a generic available. Many pharmacies (Wal-mart, Target, Walgreens, etc.) have 4 or 5 dollar generic drugs programs available if you sign up with them.

Finally, many drug manufacturers have assistance plans for their more expensive medications. If you need to take something name-brand, and you don't have insurance, check out the manufacturer's web site for info.

Again, don't be ashamed, be proactive. I have had to tell my pdoc I couldn't afford drugs before and she's done both: switched to something cheaper, and, when she really wanted me on the expensive, name-brand drug, sent me out of her office with a bag full of samples. In both cases, speaking up was better than laying out a couple of hundred bucks a month.

Hope this helps,serafenaSerafenaCo-Moderator, Bipolar ForumBipolar II"Bipolar disorder can be a great teacher. It's a challenge, but it can set you up to be able to do almost anything else in your life." - CARRIE FISHER

I completely understood that you meant well with your comment. And I am doing so much better! I went to my college counselor and got help. She suggested that I take antidepressants and come back on Tuesday for more counseling. My doctor was a wonderful woman. Very understanding. It's my second day on Celexa and I'm already starting to feel better, mainly just because I feel like there's hope now. I am so happy. Hope all goes well. And it is very affordable. I have a lot of support and I'm so glad to have my life back.